Mural by Design, LLC

The mural cost depends on the size, the mural complexity. Another factor is the wall surface texture, shape, pattern, and wall material, for example: brick, concrete, corrugated metal, drywall, wood, the height from the ground level. In addition, for exterior murals the wall condition, the wall preparation and the weather are crucial to ensure the mural longevity. Mural by Design does not and cannot afford to cut any corners that compromises the murals quality because Sotir’s career depends on it.

Sotir is really interested in hearing about each project, and he encourages each one to express his/her ideas and together create the best design for what's needed, for the available space, and stay within a budget plan and beautifully done.The best reason to collaborate with him is because he absolutely enjoys the whole mural process from start to finish and he has all the needed expertise to make it happen professionally.

Sotir has a bachelors of fine art degree from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI.

His love for art started when he was around seven years old when he was in elementary school in Albania. Albania is a beautiful Mediterranean country that borders Greece to the north and located on the coast of Adriatic and Ionian seas. Sotir has vivid memories of the excitement and appreciation of the pictorial illustrations in his Abetare, his first-grade Albanian language book. The moment he opened that simple book he got hypnotized by the imaginary world that until then he was not aware existed. He started tracing some of the illustrations from the book and showed them around with excitement. After finishing his eighth grade, which was the end of compulsory education at that time, he participated in two art competitions in order to continue his education at the Art Liceum (a high school specializing in fine art). Sotir graduated from the Art Liceum in Albania with a diploma in fine art painting and theatrical set design. After working as a surviving artist in Albania and Greece, he came to the United States and many years later he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in fine art from Aquinas College. His international journey, life experiences, and education became the cornerstone of his artist career.

Sotir is a full-time muralist, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He has painted many interior and exterior murals, all commissioned for commercial, residential, and public spaces. Each one of his murals is uniquely designed and customized according to his clients’ needs and objectives. He has painted for decades, both here in the United States and abroad. Sotir's murals and artwork are on display across Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, South Carolina, Greece, and Albania.

A mural depends on the size, the mural complexity, the wall surface type (brick, concrete, corrugated metal, drywall, wood), the height from the ground level, and the weather. Usually a mural is done between a couple of days, two weeks, and a month. When I designed and painted in ten days the 9 feet high by 35 feet long interior mural at Kelly’s Bar & Grill in Holland, Michigan, the seven wall sconces on the blank wall presented a challenge for the Lake Michigan scenery that the owners wanted. The owner’s objective was for patrons to have a view of the lake as if they were sitting on a porch overlooking the lake while dining in the restaurant. Instead of removing the light fixtures, I designed a mural that integrated seven unique light houses that can be seen around Lake Michigan and incorporated each wall sconce into each of the lighthouses. Additionally, I replaced the 60-watt bright white light bulbs with Edison’s warm 25-watt light bulbs. Everyone loves the mural. Kelly’s customers might think that the lights were installed perfectly to fuse with the light houses, but the reality is otherwise. I see and treat each mural as a unique opportunity to create an atmosphere and experience that draws people in and get them engaged. I live for such reactions and that is the inspiration for me to do more for my community. I make sure that my murals are painted on a properly prepared surface, and I use the best paint quality available on the market to ensure the longest lifespan possible for every mural.

I specialize in customized murals. I established Mural by Design because I wanted to connect and collaborate directly with every client. What makes me proud of Mural by Design is that my clients are part of the journey from start to finish and they love the outcome. I invite every client to join me in creating beautiful, custom murals that are inspired by their needs and objectives. I listen to my clients to understand their story. I join them in their journey, and I use my creative imagination and artistic expertise to design and paint murals that bring them happiness, joy, and lifelong memories. I find profound joy in transforming surfaces and spaces into sources of happiness and beauty. My artistic style is unique. When I paint my murals, I compete only with the shape, texture, condition, size, space, and the climate. I intentionally design each mural to fit and flow with a specific wall and the space around that wall, so they are integrated to the point where they need each other to exist. I adjust my composition and artistic execution in ways that make surface imperfections or object intrusions to either disappear or accentuate the mural.

Colors have a tremendous energy, and using them in harmony with each other, people are calm and happy. A beautiful mural brings positive vibes into your space and everyone feels that and each one reacts to it. Please think of a mural as an investment to you and your customers. A customized mural at your place creates a unique personal experience for each customer, also it feels great to work everyday in such environment. A beautiful mural invites people to interact, take photos, and post them on social media, creating a free promotion to grow your business. If you would like to have a custom mural, but you are not sure what you need, Mural by Design can help you find out through candid conversation.